Manley Focused on Addressing Illinois’ Challenges

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – On Wednesday, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, took the oath of office to continue in her role as state representative of the 98th District for the next two years.

“The adversarial climate in Springfield is not only unproductive, but it is an insult to the people of Illinois,” Manley said. “The focus has been on the fight, not on finding solutions. I believe there is a budget solution, but we need to sit down and have tough discussions with one another. I have proven that I am willing to do this. I have seen human services and education dollars cut to the bone, jeopardizing funding for vital programs such as Meals on Wheels, domestic abuse shelters, college scholarships for middle class families, or parental assistance. There isn’t a place in the state that hasn’t felt the budget impact.”

When not in Springfield, Manley spends her time engaging with constituents. She walks door to door across her district and hosts workshops, such as a senior fraud seminar with the Attorney General’s office, an Alzheimer’s event for seniors with the Alzheimer’s Association and an organ donor seminar with the Secretary of State’s office.

“I know many Illinoisans are frustrated with the gridlock in Springfield,” Manley continued. “I’m frustrated too. I believe we can solve our budget problems while still being fair to seniors, students, veterans, and countless others that rely on state services. Consistently, I have worked in a bipartisan manner to solve state issues, and will continue to stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who realize that compromise is essential and anything less is unworthy of the people we serve.”

The 98th House District is entirely within Will County and contains parts of Bolingbrook, Crest Hill, Joliet, Lockport, Plainfield and Romeoville.